Persecution, tests, and temptations refer to experiences that believers go through. They are challenges that occur in everyone’s life. Tests reveal one’s strengths and weaknesses, while temptations try to divert and destroy individuals. Christians believe that God permits temptations to come their way to reveal their trust in Him and to grant them opportunities to seek more grace from Him. Tests prove one’s faith, loyalty, and faithfulness to God. Therefore, it is important to recognize that these experiences can also have a positive impact on believers.
“The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink”
(Jeremiah 35:1-2).
“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law”
(Luke 12:49-53).
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Those who lack knowledge of the scriptures are likely to succumb to temptation when it arises. Compromising one’s faith in order to secure a job can lead to various trials and tests that may prove difficult to overcome. When a Christian enters the workforce, they bring with them the message of the gospel, which can result in persecution. However, God’s grace is sufficient to protect them. On the other hand, if someone resorts to bribery or immoral actions to secure a job, they will not be able to spread the message of God in their workplace. Instead, they may be subjected to strange fires from unbelievers who know how they obtained their job. Such fires can destroy one’s relationship with God and lead to eternal damnation. Paradoxically, refusing to participate in subsequent immoral actions may result in losing the job or facing even more difficulties in the workplace. It is therefore advisable to pray for God’s guidance in obtaining the right job, rather than compromising one’s faith and integrity for any job at any cost.
“Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, the field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take”“Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, the field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take”
(Acts 1:18-20).
When you acquire a job through evil means, God’s presence cannot be there to fight your battles for you. You can only succeed by God’s grace and without that, you will certainly fail.
“But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day (Deuteronomy 4:20).
“Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. In addition, they built for Pharaoh Treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. In addition, they were grieved because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor”
(Exodus 1:11-14).